Glyphosate, a herbicide commonly found in weed killer, is not a carcinogen, according to the latest assessment by the European Chemicals Agency.
The German competent authority for classification, labelling and packaging (CLP), the Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, had asked the agency to test glyphosate for organ toxicity, potential to irritate or damage eyes and toxicity to the aquatic environment.
During its investigation, the Helsinki-based body also assessed other hazard classes, including carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity. Its risk assessment committee concluded that the available scientific evidence did not meet the criteria to classify glyphosate as a carcinogen, as a mutagen or as toxic for reproduction.
It has maintained the existing harmonised classification (CLP) of glyphosate as a substance causing serious eye damage and being toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
The agency said the European Commission and member states would take its assessment into account later this year when they consider whether to renew the approval to use glyphosate as an active substance in pesticides.
